Pte 23127 Charles Henry Nickson

• Age: 19
• From: Runcorn, Cheshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Friday 20th October 1916
• Commemorated at: Thiepval Memorial
  Panel Ref: P&F1D8B &8 C.

Charles Henry Nickson was born on 18^th February, 1897 in Runcorn, the son of Charles Henry Nickson and his wife Harriet Elizabeth (nee Clarke) who were married in 1888, registered in Prescot. 

He was educated at Balfour Road School, Runcorn. 

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 1 Fisher St Runcorn.

His father Charles Henry is aged 41, born in Runcorn and a foreman bricklayer, his mother Harriet E. is aged 32, also born in Runcorn. The children were all born in Runcorn. Those listed in the household are; Margaret A. aged 10, Robert W. aged 9, Ernest aged 7, Jessie aged 5, Charles H. aged 4, Joseph H. aged 2, and Arthur aged 1. 

The 1911 Census shows the family still living at 1 Fisher St Runcorn. 

His father Charles Henry is aged 52, born in Runcorn in 1859 and is a Bricklayer by trade, whilst his mother Harriet Elizabeth is aged 43,  also born in Runcorn but in 1868. They advised that they had been married for 22 years and had nine children of which seven survived. The children were all born in Runcorn. Those listed in the household are; Margaret Ann aged 20, born 1891 no occupation listed, Robert William aged 19, born 1892 is a Clerk, Ernest aged 17, born 1894 is an Apprentice Joiner, Jessie aged 15, born 1896 is an Apprentice Dressmaker, Charles Henry aged 14, born 1897, Joseph Herbert aged 12, born 1899 and Arthur aged 11, born 1900 are all at school.

Charles Henry enlisted on the 09^th November, 1914 in Liverpool joining the 20th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 23127. He gave his age as 19 years and his occupation as a Clerk. He was five foot six and half inches tall, weighed 121lbs, 34” chest, of fresh complexion, brown eyes and had dark brown hair and gave his religion as Church of England. It would appear Charles lied about his age on enlistment as he would have only been 17 years old in 1914.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

23.10.15 whilst at Larkhill Camp: Two days confined to Barracks for dirty rifle on inspection.

07.11.15: he embarked for France with his Battalion.

He was killed in action on the 20th October 1916, aged 19, during the Battle of the Transloy Ridges which was part of the ongoing Somme Offensive

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme in France.

The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

On 01st August 1932 the Prince of Wales and the President of France inaugurated the Thiepval Memorial in Picardy. The inscription reads: “Here are recorded the names of officers and men of the British Armies who fell on the Somme battlefields between July 1915 and March 1918 but to whom the fortune of war denied the known and honoured burial given to their comrades in death.”

His death was reported in the Runcorn Guardian 19th Nov 1916

THE STRICKEN BRAVE

KILLED

PRIVATE CHARLES H. NICKSON

"Will you try to remember that your son died the finest death a man can die, fighting for his country and the right" was the message of sympathy Mrs Nixon of Stanley Street has received from the chaplain of her son's regiment acquainting her of the death of Private Charles Henry Nickson on the field of battle. The first intimation of his death came in a letter written to his parents by another Runcorn soldier, and a wire to the commanding officer confirmed this in the short message:-  "Regret killed in action October 20th." This was followed by a letter from the chaplain who writes:- "You will have his heard by now the sad news that your son, Private C. H. Nickson was mortally hit on October 20th, and died very soon afterwards of his wounds. As chaplain of the regiment I just want to say how deeply I sympathize with you in your great loss. I think it will help you in your great trouble to know that your son made his Communion only 2 days before he went into action, and also that we were able to bury his body where he fell. I am afraid these are all the details I am able to give you. Will you try to remember for your comfort that he died the finest death and man can die, fighting for his country and the right, and also that it is only is poor body that lies here, while his soul, his real self you know and love has gone back to God who loves him too. May God, who loves you and gave His Only Son to die for you, comfort you in your hour of sorrow. We don't forget to pray for you." Private C. H. Nickson, who was only 19 years of age, joined the army in November 1914 at the age of 17. Although very sociable, he was rather a shy and reserved nature, and was given much to study. He spent his training days first at Knowsley, then at Grantham, and afterwards at Salisbury Plain, and during the 12 months he had been at the front he had taken part in all the big engagements, and which his regiment had played so conspicuous a part. Since he went out he had not been able to get home on leave. Prior to the war he was employed at the offices of the Bridgewater department of the Manchester Ship Canal. He attended the Parish Church Sunday School and was a chorister in the Parish Church choir.

Charles is commemorated on the Manchester Ship Canal Memorial housed in the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port.

Widnes Weekly News 10th Nov 1988 – family confused about his surname 

NIXON(sic) 

(Charles Henry) 

Private, King’s Regiment (Liverpool Pals) killed in action, October 20th, 1916, Somme, no known grave, aged 19 years. 

 

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